One of our favorite private excursions from Doha, Qatar, is to the Qatari Desert to see East-West/West-East (2014), the monumental public art installation by renowned sculptor Richard Serra.

Set deep in the Brouq Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO-listed Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve, Serra’s site-specific sculptural work rises between two gypsum plateaus in the desert. Comprised of four towering steel plates, precisely aligned and incrementally spaced along a half-mile-long corridor, the installation forms a striking landmark in an otherwise remote landscape with no roads and minimal signage.

Richard Serra is internationally acclaimed for his large-scale steel structures that explore the relationship between artwork and environment. He treats the surrounding space not as a backdrop but as a dynamic sculptural material, transforming the viewer’s experience of place.

In this vast desert setting, the geometric forms create a visual anchor and sense of perspective that define the viewer’s experience of the arid expanse. To accommodate the undulating topography, the pillars vary slightly in height so their tops remain level, creating a sense of order within the natural surroundings.

Though stationary, the columns reflect the passage of time as the sun shifts, casting changing shadows throughout the day. Over the years, the steel has weathered from grey to a rich amber patina under the effects of the desert climate.

Within driving distance of the Serra installation are the desert’s iconic limestone formations, where centuries of wind erosion have sculpted the landscape into otherworldly mushroom-like shapes.

They offer a natural—and haunting—complement to Serra’s manmade work, each reflecting the passage of time in the desert.

Artisans of Leisure arranges private day tours from Doha to see Serra’s installation and nearby sites. For interested travelers, we can also for overnight stays at a luxury tented camp within the Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve. Other experiences we arrange in the region include active touring, wildlife safaris, wellness activities, visits to archaeological sites and hands-on cultural workshops such as calligraphy or weaving.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a private Qatar tour that includes Richard Serra’s compelling East-West/West-East installation in the desert.